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Californian President and CEO Richard Beene asked about the current status of such cafes, as City Attorney Ginny Gennaro has previously said "we believe that Internet cafes, as a general rule, are just a front for conducting illegal gambling acts," according to a previous Californian story.

Johnson said some cases have been prosecuted, and are now on appeal.

"We're in this legal no-man's land" right now, said Johnson, chairman of the city's Safe Neighborhoods and Community Relations Committee.

So in the meantime, Johnson said, the city sends cafes cease and desist letters outlining the city's belief that they are operating illegally, and also notifies landlords in hopes they won't lease to them.

The Californian has previously talked to staff at cafes who have said their businesses are legitimate, and people come to them to use the Internet.

Bakersfield Police officers have also been asked to write their reports while parked outside cafes to monitor any illegal activity, Johnson said. He said the idea is to "make these guys realize they are not welcome in Bakersfield," Johnson said.

The councilman said business people including a dentist and a laundromat owner have complained about the impact of the cafes on their businesses.

The body of a large paddle-tailed rodent was found early Tuesday in the traffic lanes of southbound Mohawk Street north of Truxtun Avenue, suggesting Bakersfield's fabled bike path beaver -- scourge of local saplings -- may have died.

The lush grasses and sweeps of wildflowers cloak much of the damage to the small canyon in a blanket of ephemeral green. But Ellen Cypher and Erin Tennant can see it as they walk along a sandy route that has been churned into the bottom of the wash by motorcyclists and quad riders.

Californian columnist Lois Henry's discussion about fireworks Wednesday on "First Look with Scott Cox" was as explosive as a firework itself. She didn't hold anything back as she described the Kern County Supervisor's decision Tuesday to continue allowing Piccolos and ground flowers to be sold in...